Virtual CH

" With traces of Semisonic and Pete Yorn, Chris Harrington's new CD, "You the Provider," would be a prime target for FM radio play under more ideal circumstances. The local pop-rocker earned a decent buzz off his first disc, "Starter," but he takes a noticeable leap forward lyrically and especially in sonic terms with this one. ... Harrington recorded the album with producer Jacques Wait at the new Seedy Underbelly space in L.A., and many of the songs were written after his father died and have all the heart that suggests...." - Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Just when I think I've finally completed tabulating my tally on talented pop-rock singer/songwriters in this town, another one jumps out of the woodwork with an album of distinction (oh the woes of living in Minneapolis!). Chris Harrington's already got a few self-released albums under his belt, but it took me until his about-to-hit-the-scene third pop platter, You the Provider, to be hipped to his riches. One of the first projects to be recorded at Seedy Underbelly studios after its relocation from Minneapolis to the far sunnier and more industry connected climes of Los Angeles, Harrington lays down some classically Minneapolitan power-pop here with the help of producer/multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Jacques Wait and drummer Jason Mackenroth. With a voice recalling Semisonic's Dan Wilson (with a pinch more sass) and a penchant for classic melodies sure to appeal to fans of the Beatifics, Harrington makes it clear that he's absorbed a lot of great Twin Cities music and is ready to give some back. This isn't a lightweight pop confection, however, as much of the material here is about Harrington attempting to come to grips with the recent death of his father (the provider of the album's title).
Pulse, Twin Cities - Pulse of the twin cities

Chris Harrington is a singer-songwriter who embraces a classic pop sound, while at the same time not letting that sound get stale. He does this with an earnest and honest vocal style, combined with a writing skill that avoids those dangerous rock cliches we've all come to hate.He borrows a little from British Invasion, keeping his sensibilities in place, providing a smart pop base to build on. The songs never quite break out into full rock, relying instead on minor chord anxiousness and melancholy lyrics to provide the tension. It's a brilliant blend, and it works just right.
MISH MASH Mandate: Mod Rocker - mashmusic.tripod.com

Real development and accomplishment, just, takes, time.
For some odd reason, there exists a paradox in mass media/popular culture. Progress and its more aggressive but rarely seen cousin, achievement, are under constant pressure. We tend to expect leaps and bounds in weeks and days as opposed to months and years. And as time passes, the pace seems to quicken. But if we stop and think, what kind of honesty and incredible development can really be achieved in such a short period of time? Not much, really. This might explain why we often see people pouring their hearts out these days and think “nice gimmick.” Our humanity begs for patience in all things where virtue is expected. And yet, we still want the “next big thing” to eclipse the last “next big thing” even faster and even better than before. Silly, really.

Chris Harrington’s sophomore album, You the Provider, is a fully matured work anywhere between three and five years in the making. After receiving critical acclaim for his first album, Starter, across much of the Midwest and beyond in 2000, Chris’ father became very ill and for the next five years he tended only to family concerns. Music trailed alongside and reaped the benefits of a tragic situation. While his family was experiencing pain, his abilities were given the luxury of a slow maturity. The natural course of time and emotionally powerful events gave rise to a well-developed set of material. About the only thing that You the Provider lacks in enormity and strength is a power ballad. Keep in mind that “lacking” is quite often a good thing. There’s no room for a power ballad here: it would simply be out of place. Songs like “Egg Whites in Candlelight” and “Sympathetic Morning” accomplish in their beauty what “Every Rose Has its Thorn” never could. Chris’ message beams through.

Although one might assume that an album written during and after the death of one’s father would be a somber one, You the Provider is a powerfully beautiful pop record in many ways. Left to the devices of the best of us, anger and frustration and sadness might reign. But here, Mr. Harrington shines brightly. In fact, this is a positive, upbeat album that is a testament to his honest reflection about his relationship with his father. One gets the impression from the music that it was a strong and positive one that really came into its own after his ordeal with his father’s illness. Chris Harrington has done a fantastic job of conveying his prowess as a musician, his creativity as a writer, and his strength as a loving, learning son. But most of all, he’s a proven example of genuine development as a human artist. In the time it took him to release two albums, pop culture would have expected four. Real development and accomplishment, just, takes, time. - http://www.transformonline.com